It's 25 years since I graduated with a first class honours degree (much to my great surprise and huge delight). Before going to university, I had been fairly nervous about a lot of things - whether I'd fit in, whether I'd cope with the work, whether I'd miss being at home. I imagine many students today will feel the same.

For some students, however, the biggest worry is the cost of university. As our Head of Financial Support here at Sheffield has explained:The reality is that there's a significant shortfall between the cost of living at university and the amount students receive in loans. Our students from lower income backgrounds need a helping hand to bridge that gap.

I gained an enormous amount from going to university - much more than the degree itself. I'd like all talented students to have that opportunity. That's why I've decided to ski for students this coming March and raise funds for the University of Sheffield's scholarships appeal.

Last year, the University of Sheffield awarded scholarships of £3,600 to 200 undergraduates starting courses in September 2018. These scholarships to students from low-income backgrounds were all funded through donations. 

I've set myself a target of raising £1,200 towards the appeal (or 120 gifts of £10). That's 12 months' support for one undergraduate student. 

I plan to raise this by skiing the world-famous Engadin Skimarathon race on Sunday 10 March 2019.  This is the largest cross-country ski event in Switzerland and the second largest in the world. This short clip gives a good idea of what's involved. The entry limit of 14,200 has now been reached so I won't be lonely! 

As a relative newcomer to cross-country skiing, the thought of covering 42 km (26 miles) of undulating terrain is fairly daunting. I've already been warned about the uphill finish, skier-stopping headwinds, and the perils of 'mattress alley' (a downhill slope through woodland where the trees are literally wrapped in thick mattresses!)

My aim is to complete the course, uninjured, and inside the six-hour cut-off. I'll be posting updates on my training and fundraising below, so please do check back.

In the meantime, thank you for your support!

Paula

PS. Don't just take my word for it. This is what students have told us about how a scholarship made a difference to them:

Receiving a scholarship has changed my time at Sheffield from being a source of great stress to an incredible experience. I couldn't be more grateful. BA Architecture student

It may not seem like a lot of money but the scholarship has completely changed my university experience. It's allowed me to spend fewer hours stacking shelves and more time devoted towards my studies. It's eased my money worries, helped me secure accommodation for next year and paid for text books. BSc Economics student.